"It wouldn't be a successful season in New England if the team were scrutinized for some outlandish reason. Unfortunately, that's what's happening now, as the Patriots head into the playoffs. Besides not being considered a serious threat because of their overall inexperience, the main criticism continues to center on their strength of schedule. Those questioning how a team that just went 4-13 last year has now won 14 games this year suggest they have only played bad teams; therefore, that explains their success."
"It's been a talking point all season long, and the players have had to answer several questions about it, which can't be easy. Yet most of their responses are applaudable, including the latest comments from quarterback Drake Maye, who has received some of the harshest criticism because of his significant second-year jump in performance."
"Drake Maye on people saying the Patriots schedule has been too easy: "We play in the National Football League... It's not like we're playing Foxborough High School down the road.""
The Patriots have drawn scrutiny for their strength of schedule after improving from 4-13 to 14 wins in one season. Critics claim the turnaround stems from facing weak opponents rather than genuine progress. Players have repeatedly addressed the criticism throughout the season, with many offering measured responses. Quarterback Drake Maye delivered a particularly pointed reply, invoking a line associated with Bill Belichick about not playing high-school competition. The remark served as a direct rebuttal to those questioning the legitimacy of the Patriots' success and aimed to dismiss the schedule narrative as unfair.
Read at Musket Fire
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]